Heading down stairs Leo's backpack in hand
Good Morning Dear! Evelyn greeted her, to her surprise Allison were dressed and ready for school and daycare.
GOOD Morning Mom, and my beautiful children she kissed each one before sitting down.
Evelyn knew something was up … "Hungry dear? You need to eat something especially with that baby coming soon".
"I'm fine, I've 2 more months" She said sipping on her tea watching her kids
"Eat". Evelyn placed the food in front of her, her alarm went off for her Dr. Appt
"Dr. Altman your baby looks right on track, you're not effaced, I'd say you're -5 engaged …. Having any contractions"?
"A few here and there, nothing crazy, do you think the baby is early because of stress"? Teddy answered
"No… I think you are progressing nicely, if you're not having severe problems, I think we can still plan on your c-section in a month and a half. I know it's not easy given your lifestyle and the circumstances – but do try and take it easy, accept the help".
The doctor patted her knee and left the room for Teddy to compose herself. "Welllll you …. Guess we better start getting ready eh"!
Just as she walked into his room to sit down with him, his nurse came into give her an update on his condition. At this point they were just waiting on him to wake up.
She sat down, adjusting to find a comfortable position, and stared at him not sure what to say…. "OKAY …. LISTEN TO ME … You need to figure your shit out, because this baby is coming SOONER than you think …like it or not, and you are not here to help me with the kids. This Is EXACTLY what I told you were not allowed to do… I AM SO MAD AT YOU! YOU OWEN HUNT! YOU PROMISED ME.
Softly "What'd I promise"?
"You promised me yo…uu…. *looking up* OH MY GOD … Owen? OWEN"?! As Teddy stood up a few nurses came in to evaluate him
"Welcome back Dr. Hunt… you gave us quite a scare". A nurse said as he started at Teddy in the corner staring back at him
"Pay attention to the nurses you Jerk" she admonished him
Few weeks later
Teddy walked into their house "GUYS I HAVE A SURPRISE FOR YOU"! everyone rushed to the front room
"DADDY'S HOME and its SNOWING"! the kids yelled
"A miracle" Evelyn beamed
Later that evening after the kids went to bed Teddy stared out the window watching the snow gracefully float through the crisp air. She closed her eyes as Owen's hand wrapped around her lower waist pulling her close to him, his other hand stopping over her heart.
"Owen….. "* she moaned* as his mouth moved along her shoulder her heart pounding against his hand "we really shouldn't "she said exhaling deeply she could smell him on her skin, his mouth finding her clavicle.
She couldn't help herself, He was irresistible, but she knew he could potentially send her into early labor and she frankly…. Was not ready.
He groaned ignoring her, she gasped as his hand dropped down finding her full breast. She closed her eyes leaning her head he spun her around. She wrapped her arms around his neck her hand grasping his neck and pulling him into a deep kiss. He tightened his grip on her causing her to groan but he refused to release her as it was the only warmth he had felt in days. He never wanted to let her go.
Finally releasing her she looked into his ocean blue eyes full of sorrow, her piercing green eyes looking at him, he leaned in, their lips barely touching as they shared the same breath, she was his lifeline.
"I love you, we are okay" she whispered she held him knowing exactly what was bothering him, she knew he was scared.
He felt their baby moving in her womb in protest, the baby and her warm body touching him, made him feel alive. "Come on, you need your rest "she gently coaxed him to bed
Few hours later, He woke up walked into the dining room poured himself a glass of Whiskey and stared out the window into what seemed like nothingness except he could hear things ….
He woke from his nightmare as the half bottle of whisky slipped from his grasp and shattered on the floor.
"SHIT"! he said quietly to himself praying the babies wouldn't wake up….. SILENCE he shook his head and his hand moved over his face rubbing it hard.
"What the hell Hunt, pull yourself together – you've a family… a baby on the way "he thought to himself
After cleaning he checked on their kids and headed to bed, but he stopped and stared out the window
The Screaming …. see flashes of fire streaked across his vision …. The screaming would not stop, a sound of blood rushing in his temples like a heartbeat.
She turned over into what she was hoping would be a warm body, waking when she realized he wasn't there she saw him staring out at the snowstorm – "Owen come back to bed honey". she said gently He jumped
"You know the snow machine …. "he paused, lost in thought
"Was for me, yes I know". She quietly said finishing his sentence
"I can not live without you or our kids" He quietly said
"Owen * she got up * where is this coming from "? She walked towards him confused, taking in the smell of whiskey that lingered on him , then she knew…. "Owen" she said softly
He didn't give her a chance to finish her sentence, he pulled her into him his mouth practically drawing the life she had left in her. She tried to protest; the baby protested for them kicking as Owen pulled her closer not letting her up
Kissing her, as He began sobbing his hips rocked her in a swaying motion back to their bed, scrapping her teeth along his neck she found his ear eliciting a groan only he could make come out of her lips. Looking him in the eyes she knew this was …He was dangerous he had no mercy as he consumed her mouth
He laid her gently on the bed ….. he looked at her as she nodded "careful" she whispered as her hand curled around his neck pulling him into her
Next morning, she woke up feeling crampy "UGH No, NOT again" ….she thought to herself . Last time, Daniel was born because of their escapades the night before.
"Morning! * she walked into the kitchen to her whole family smiling… * "EVERYONE Get their snow gear on"!
She looked over at him just staring at her "what "? She smiled coyly … she squirmed a little self-conscious
Breaking the silence "MOMMY, MY HAIR IS STUCK IN THE ZIPPER" ! Allison screeched
"Come here baby, Wow! how'd you do that"?! She stared at the bird's nest
"LEO DID IT"! Pouting She pointed at Leo
"I DID NOT! I didn't tough her"! He fired back as Evelyn got him ready
"OKAY. OKAY OKAY OKAY, you two forget I asked! It doesn't matter Keep it up and we will not have a snow day! Annnnddddd you wanted a 4th"? She chuckled smiling glancing up at Owen realizing he was still staring at their family…. This time with tears in his eyes. While concerned for him, she decided to let him have his moment knowing the past few weeks were difficult for them. In passing she ran her hand along the side of his face giving him a soft smile.
As they filed out of the house Owen gave Teddy and his mom each an arm watching their kids as they played ahead of them walking to the park down the road to go sledding.
"Can we go sledding"!? Leo exclaimed as they reached the park
"YES! Go baby GO" Teddy cheerfully said Owen followed behind them leaving his wife and mom to their own thoughts
"This is nice "Evelyn broke the silence as she looked at Teddy running her hand slowly soothing her baby and cracking her neck releasing the tension she held in her shoulders.
"You alright dear"? Evelyn pressed
"HUM! What? * Teddy startled* Ummm Sorry Yeah …. Just enjoying the snow, it's so peaceful". She lied
"Right….Hon… " Evelyn glared at her Teddy glanced at her knowing Evelyn caught her in a lie
"Fine…. I don't know, just thinking about how in a few short weeks this baby Is coming…. This time next year we'll have 4 … Just a little overwhelmed, and exhausted, I guess. Don't want to do labor and have a C-section again yet can't wait to not be pregnant and can't wait to meet this little rollie pollie in here". She skirted around what she knew Evelyn was searching for.
"I Sympathize with you….And… "? Evelyn pressed again.
"And…..Owen is panicked … He has not talked to me about what he went through… I know him … he is dealing with monsters right now and he is trying to be a good husband and good father, but he's terrified the monsters are winning. PTSD is vicious and then the anxiety it brings on, it creeps up on you and consumes you like a VICE GRIP when you least expect it at the most inopportune times. It grabs hold and squeezes tighter and tighter the more you try to fix it the more it makes you panic. You think you are crazy for feeling these feelings and you tell yourself to 'PULL IT TOGETHER' because you see the people you were with and they seem to being JUST FINE. But that is the thing… you convince yourself everyone else is fine and that you're crazy for NOT BEING FINE, that you are weak, that maybe you shouldn't be. When in actuality…. They are probably thinking the same thing. In the moment you can rationalize that. It is a vicious cycle.
Pausing …. Staring coldly at Evelyn …
"AND … THERE'S NOTHING anyone can say or do to make it go away…. You learn to cope. You learn what triggers you, how to avoid those triggers. You learn breathing techniques. At the end of the day there is nothing I can do except be there for him. Just BE THERE. She stopped watching Owen
"You speak from experience ….." Evelyn commented
"I have my own set of demons". She put on a HUGE smile as her kids and husband ran up to them
"MOMMY MOMMY MOMMY , Grandma Evelyn did you see us"?! the kids yelled
"WE DID BABIES! Ohhhh my goodness your little hands are FREEZING * she kissed their little hands *You are getting so good! AND You sir are ALL RED from being So cold"! she caressed Owens face kissing him softly
"Thank you "He whispered looking into her soft eyes
"I know…. She softly smiled ISN'T DADDY JUST THE BEST?! Come on this Mommy must warm up her babies! How about some hot coco and Marshmallows and Sprinkles with homemade whip cream"?!
"YAAAAA"! The kids cheered as the raced ahead
"That's the last one, they're ALL snoring they're so tired from their big snow day" Owen smiled
"I am going to follow their lead and take a nap". Evelyn addressed the room after the 3 adults got the kids down for a post snow day nap.
Few mins later Teddy noticed Owen sitting on the couch staring off she walked in, she laid her head in his lap stretching out brought his hand to feel their baby, her c-section was scheduled 10 days out, but she was not so sure their baby was going to wait that long
"you ready to add one more to this chaos? Will you set up the nursery this week please?...Owen"?
He heard her but did not acknowledge her
HOLY CRAP where did the time go? Teddy was scheduled for a c-section and Their last baby was coming in 10 days …. Knowing her anxiety was about to shoot through the roof, He KNEW needed to figure his shit out or put it aside to be fully present for her. "SORRY WHAT"?!
"OWEN! *she got his attention* she sat up grasping his face Hon, what is going on? I have not pressed you; you know I'm always here, but are you okay? Since you've been home… I don't know… you don't seem ok"?
"I'm fine, really I don't need to be bothering you with anything right now".
"You're never a bother, we're a team *She kissed him * come to bed with me on I'm exhausted …. " She pulled him off the couch
The next morning , She woke up with the same cramping she had earlier that week except for this time it would not let up.
"OOOO KAY! Holy crap! You're not waiting are you"?! Knowing she had a little bit of time before things became serious, she decided to let Owen sleep, she Got herself dressed and went downstairs and made the kids breakfast and lunches. By the time 6:30 am rolled around Leo was first at the breakfast table.
Leo found Teddy leaning against the sink "MORNING MOMMY"!
Ughhhhhhh GOD! she breathed through a contraction "Morning monster, what do you want for breakfast bud"?! She inhaled sharply "Pheeww"
" I want Eggs PLEASEEEEEE"!
Great easy, eggs it was for everyone- she no way felt in any shape to take orders for everyone this morning
"Can I tell you a secrete buddy? *She ran her hand through his curly bed head kissing him * Mommy is having your brother or sister today "!
Shortly everyone filed down for breakfast and ready for school
As she had finished feeding her kids labor had progressed far enough to the point, she thought it was time to get Owen up.
"Ohhhh God give me a break! * she leaned against the stair railing breathing through what was maybe her worst contraction yet * Owen… Owen … Owen I laid out clothes for you, we need to get to the hospital… it's time".
"OKAY Oh My God, OH MY GOD! Are you Okay"?! he ran around
"Ah baby…wait. *She breathed through a contraction* OWEN, please…let us go" she said calmly gesturing out the door "I talked to mom she's got the kids and the hospital bag and the car seat both are in the car …. We need to go "
She was rushed into an exam room where it was determined she would go straight to surgery
"Owen?! Where's my husband?" she asked as they prepared her for a spinal
"I AM RIGHT HERE "he rushed in scrubbed and gowned she rested her head on his shoulder "OHHH GOD "She groaned as a contraction hit her, resting his hands on her belly relieved he could feel the baby protesting inside her.
"It's all happening so fast" she said exhausted
"It is okay, I've got you" he soothed her
She nodded "I just want the baby to be okay" she choked up
Finally, they were off to the OR to meet their baby
She shivered, she closed her eyes as a single tear fell she HATED this part, prep before surgery, never in her life did she ever feel more vulnerable, exposed. To make matters worse her baby was kicking up a storm in protest to the nurse cleaning the surgical area and all she wanted to do was sooth her baby, but she could not.
"You've quite the active little one in here Dr. Altman, a spitfire"!
Owen could tell her nerves were getting the best of her "Hey Hey *Kissed her on the cheek* Teds they're healthy, remember? Soon enough you will have our precious baby on your chest SOON enough we'll be home cuddling on the couch with a new squishy baby and all our other babies
She nodded as she shivered "I just want my babies; I cannot stop shivering" a tear rolled down her face
"You know it's the drugs, but can someone please get her another warm blanket? How are you doing Dr. Altman, your sweet baby is almost here, it's a big baby that's for sure! No surprise, considering its parents! How many children do you have Dr. Altman"?
"Fine, including this one, 4 babies" she replied
"YOU'VE HAD 4 children"?! the surgeon asked shocked at Teddy's figure
"Well she's had 3, our Oldest Leo we adopted when he was VERY young, and he looks like he could be our biological child. And she's just as hot and just as sexy if not even more than when I 1st met her".
"Owen….. did you just say I'm hot and sexy while I'm naked on a surgical table, fileted like a fish…. Giving birth to our baby"?
"Dr. Altman in a few seconds you know the drill… LOTS OF PRESSURE, Dr. Hunt would you like to watch your baby being born"?
"Lots of pressure, lots of pressure "! Teddy closed her eyes silently praying for it to be over she could feel her baby leave her body.
"Owen, is the baby okay?! Why is my baby not crying"!?
"Oh Teddy"!
He Put his head to hers…." We've a baby girl" he said softly for just Teddy to hear
"Here you go Momma" the dr laid the baby on Teddy's chest as Owen supported the baby
"Owen…. *she looked in shock* Hiiiiii I have waited SO LONG for you, and all this time I thought you were a boy! She is quiet is she okay?! She's beautiful! She looks like …."! she kissed her tenderly groaning slightly as the doctor finished closing the incision.
"LEO! *Owen laughed * she really does! She's gorgeous like her Momma". Owen kissed her forehead
"She's perfect! Lung sounds are great! Just a quiet dainty long baby girl. I do have to take her for more tests "the nurse said
"Go, Go with her Owen".
Few hours later, Owen walked into Teddy's room cradling his precious baby girl wrapped in a soft minky mauve and plumb receiving blanket that had little fawns on it
"Circe , here's your Momma. * he said softly* she is such a lamb. She exceeded all her tests and she's HUGE 8.5 lbs 23 inches. *Sitting down next to Teddy he wrapped his arm around her, he kissed her head as she leaned into him* Mom should be here in 10 mins with the kiddos".
"GOOD I missed my babies! I can't wait for them to meet her. Hi sweet girl, oh I know , it's not so scary out here , I promise! Just you wait till you meet your sister and brothers they are SO EXCITED to meet you"!
Just then the door opened "INSIDE VOICES…" Evelyn reminded the kids
"HI! Oh My babies! I missed you! Come meet the new baby"! Teddy quietly exclaimed she kissed each one as they came up on the bed
"Mommy?! It is a sister?! * Teddy nodded beaming with love * Can I hold her first"!? Allison exclaimed causing the baby to fuss
"YOU SURE CAN! Let Daddy help you". she said as Daniel crawled into her lap as she passed Circe off to Owen "HI YOU! She hugged Danny, what do you think Bubby, She is cute huh?
*Daniel nodded and buried his face in her shoulder, tickling him he groaned to make her stop * Ugh Oh someone's tired "
"he didn't sleep well after you guys left. What is her name, Dear"? Evelyn kissed her on the cheek
"Circe , it means Bird in French" Owen answered
"That's a Beautiful name"! as she hugged Owen
A few days later Circe and Teddy were discharged home – "it's nice to be in my own bed again "she commented after they got everyone to bed after an exciting day of bringing Circe home, just in time for Christmas! The house is GOREGOUS, the tree, presents…. The kids are happy, I can NEVER repay your mom for all her help.
"You made her a grandma; you know all she's ever wanted was a Teddy and Owen grandbaby…. You gave her 3"
Owen stared at his new baby girl mesmerized by her beauty. She by far was their easiest baby, she barely cried … and according to the doctors she was healthy. She would cry MAYBE if her diaper was soiled and she left Teddy guessing when it was time to feed her, and if her needs were met.
"I'm still surprised we had a girl; I was CONVINCED I was carrying a boy". She smiled crawling into bed Owen followed behind her wrapping her in his warm embrace and fell asleep dreaming about the following day.